Can you bend 7 layers of 1/16” maple veneer at once using a plastic wine pump and a vinyl bag?

Learn why the vacuum created inside a Thin Air Press is so powerful! Use a mathematical formula to work out how many psi are generated by the high pressure pump over the area of a skateboard deck.

Points of Learning:

• what is vacuum?
• what is atmospheric pressure?
• how is vacuum pressure measured?
• how many psi per deck is generated inside a Thin Air Press?
• why does the foam mold not crush under the pressure?
• when does water boil?
• why does the skateboard glue dry in the vacuum bag but not in the bottle?
• how does vacuum relate to outer space?
• what would happen if astronauts didn’t wear space suits?
• study vacuum technology in the sports, aeronautics and other industries

Demonstrations, Experiments and Activities:*

Levitation with Lung Power - incredibly, air can lift a person! Balloon in a Bottle - why can’t you do it? Suck an Egg into a Jar - it happens before your eyes Magic Lid - atmospheric pressure vs. gravity, what’s the difference?

*descriptions of these are included in our Teacher’s Kits Mini-Curriculums (with thanks to teacher Leanne McKee)

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